Superior Roofing

One of the most common roof replacement questions we get asked is whether or not the choice of asphalt shingle color is going to affect its long-term performance. We answer some of your questions here.

Color and Surface Reflectivity

Color can affect how reflective a surface is, regardless of texture. The lighter the surface color, the more light that will bounce off it. Conversely, dark surfaces absorb light. Solar heat comes from infrared radiation, which happens to be another form of light. This is why it feels more comfortable wearing a white shirt outdoors than a dark-colored one: most of the solar heat bounces off it instead of being absorbed.

It works the same on roofing systems: light-colored roofs have lower heat absorption rate than a dark-colored one. This feature can help reduce your home’s indoor cooling requirements and lower your utility bills during the summer season. Homes in mostly cold climates can benefit from a dark roof as it can help reduce indoor heating requirements.

Cool Roofing

You’re probably wondering, why not just get a white roof? For one, it would be very difficult to maintain the look of a white roof in the long term as the smallest amount of dirt will be visible from the ground. Another reason is dark roofs create a more balanced look. This is why white roofs are typically used on flat roofing systems, where they’re not seen from the ground.

There are ways to mitigate the heat absorbed by the roof. One way is to invest in proper attic insulation and ventilation. Another is to make sure that the heating and air conditioning systems are well-maintained. Yet another is to invest in a cool roofing system. Cool roofs utilize the same reflectivity principles as described above as well as the use of reflective coatings on roofing with relatively dark colors. One such product is the GAF Timberline® CS. These ENERGY STAR®-certified roofing systems are on par with standard light-colored shingles, which, according to the Cool Roof Rating Council, can result in up to 15% savings on an average home’s annual cooling costs.

Superior Roofing is your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (334) 218-5965. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Phenix City, AL, as well as the surrounding communities.